LAUREN Hood has double cause for excitement.

Not only has the 16-year-old stage starlet started her first term at York College, studying a two-year national diploma in acting, but also next week she is to play the lead role of Peggy Sawyer in Shipton Theatre Company's 42nd Street at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York.

Peggy is the nave young hopeful who must step up from the chorus line to replace the stricken leading lady, Dorothy Brock (to be played by Stephanie Crossley). Taking on the principal role is no less invigorating for Lauren, who began her training in theatre and dance at the Kirkham Henry Performing Arts Centre in Malton 12 years ago, at the age of four.

"We did 42nd Street at Kirkham Henry when I was eight, I'm 16 now, and I did have my eye on this role when I auditioned," says Lauren. "What attracted me was the change she has to make, when she's given that chance to be a leading lady."

Not that Lauren is mere chorus-line material, although she has happily danced in the Grand Opera House pantomime in York for several years.

In April 2003 she played Milly in Seven Brides For Seven Brothers for Ryedale Youth Theatre; in April 2002, she had the title role in Peter Pan for the same society; and in February 2001, the title role was hers again in York Light Opera's production of Annie at York Theatre Royal.

"What I like about Peggy is that she's enthusiastic and has a love of life, which is what I have as well, so I'll look to bring that into the character," she says.

Yet Lauren is very much a team player, from her days at Kirkham Henry, in pantomimes, or singing in the chorus for six touring productions of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Grand Opera House.

"The great thing about doing a show is just being there, being part of a group, where everyone is excited together," she says. "In 42nd Street, there are some absolutely fantastic, big, showy songs, and a wide range of characters to play, and the story is lovely."

Lauren has ambitions to do further studies in musical theatre with a view to turning professional once her college days are complete. In the meantime, she will be appearing in 42nd Street alongside Stephanie Crossley; John Hall, as Julian Marsh, director of the Pretty Lady show-within-the-show; Sandy Nicholson, as writer Maggie Jones; and Michael Oliver, as leading man Billy Lawlor.

Further roles go to Scott Garnham, as dance captain Andy Lee; Roger Tuppen, as Dorothy's sugar daddy, Abner Dillon; Liz Nicholson, as Anytime Annie; and Rob King, as writer Bert Barry. The production is directed by Dan Hield and produced by Robert Readman, with musical direction by Adam Tomlinson and choreography by Laurie Scarth.

42nd Street, the second longest-running American musical in Broadway history, runs in York from September 22 to 27. Performances are at 7.30pm, plus a 2.30pm Saturday matinee, and tickets to hear such songs as Lullaby Of Broadway, We're In The Money and I Only Have Eyes For You can be booked on 01904 764429 or 623568.

Updated: 09:21 Friday, September 19, 2003